AUSTIN, Texas—Dr. Michael Limerick of The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing has been selected as one of the first Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Scholars in a new program supported by a $9.7 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant.
The grant was awarded to University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas to support career development for individuals dedicated to careers in clinical investigation. Limerick is one of 14 chosen in the first class of NIH scholars, which also includes faculty from the areas of medicine, pharmacy and dentistry. He is the only one from the nursing profession.
Beginning in July, the 2006 scholars will commit 75 percent of their time at Southwestern’s Department of Clinical Research in an intense three-year educational and training program to prepare for a career as an independent clinical investigator. The program includes rigorous course work leading to a master’s degree in clinical science, an apprenticeship in an ongoing research project and the completion of an independent research project.
“Clinical patient-oriented research is crucial,” said Dr. Alexa Stuifbergen, associate dean for research at the university’s School of Nursing. “This is a great honor for Michael and the school. As a clinical scholar, he will be immersed in a rigorous multidisciplinary environment that will train and support him to become a leader of the next generation of clinical scientists.”
Limerick received his Ph.D. in 2005 from the School of Nursing and joined the faculty as an assistant professor in clinical nursing. He specializes in end-of-life decision-making and care of HIV patients.
“I am very honored and excited to be part of this groundbreaking work,” said Limerick. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am grateful to the university and to the School of Nursing for making it a possibility. The program will provide me with invaluable tools to become a clinical researcher.”
For more information contact: Nancy Neff, School of Nursing, 512-471-6504.
